Dear Random Roomies, I'm Glad I Didn't Know You BEFORE College

I had no idea when I replied to your GroupMe request for a roommate on May 2nd that I would soon be blessed with the friendship and love of the three of the most incredible women I've ever met, and that I would learn and grow so much without ever leaving my dorm room.

Moving in with three strangers was definitely awkward. You all worked hard to not call me "Mary." I put my alarm on "quiet" in fear of waking you up too early (even though I missed my 8:30 a few times because of it). I portrayed my best self, careful not to let you in to see my weaknesses or my struggles. I was looking for people to live with, but I for sure wasn't looking for friends.

But then we made cookie bakes late at night. Then you covered me up with a blanket while I was taking a nap and let me borrow a shirt. We spent several nights laughing, dancing, and ranting. Then we stood up for each other. Soon we opened up about how our hearts had been broken, and how the darkness of the world has touched each of our lives. In the blink of an eye, we were friends. I noticed myself looking forward to coming home to my support system — my ladies of 732. And when I walked in the door shaking after reading a text message that almost broke my heart, your arms were the ones I wanted to run into.

You all have taught me the value of having people in your life that care, people that can tease you, people that you can laugh with (and at), and even people that are completely different as you.

Despite being involved in different things, being in different majors, from different hometowns, from different churches, and not knowing each other before college, we've created quite a home for ourselves in 732. You've become my go-to gals, the source of my laughter, my "daughters," and the people I'd drop everything to drive to pick up or share a Mac and Cheese with. ;)

We've gotten the incredible privilege to not have the pressure of friendship to allow it to grow through awkwardness, taking some L's, and a lot of heart to hearts.

5 Perks Of Having A Long-Distance Best Friend

Sometimes, people get annoyed when girls refer to multiple people as their "best friend," but they don't understand. We have different types of best friends. There's the going out together best friend, the see each other everyday best friend and the constant, low maintenance best friend.

While I'm lucky enough to have two out of the three at the same school as me, my "low maintenance" best friend goes to college six hours from Baton Rouge.

This type of friend is special because no matter how long you go without talking or seeing each other, you're always insanely close. Even though I miss her daily, having a long-distance best friend has its perks. Here are just a few of them...

1. Getting to see each other is a special event.

Sometimes when you see someone all the time, you take that person and their friendship for granted. When you don't get to see one of your favorite people very often, the times when you're together are truly appreciated.

2. You always have someone to give unbiased advice.

This person knows you best, but they probably don't know the people you're telling them about, so they can give you better advice than anyone else.

3. You always have someone to text and FaceTime.

While there may be hundreds of miles between you, they're also just a phone call away. You know they'll always be there for you even when they can't physically be there.

4. You can plan fun trips to visit each other.

When you can visit each other, you get to meet the people you've heard so much about and experience all the places they love. You get to have your own college experience and, sometimes, theirs, too.

5. You know they will always be a part of your life.

If you can survive going to school in different states, you've both proven that your friendship will last forever. You both care enough to make time for the other in the midst of exams, social events, and homework.

An Open Letter To The Place I've Called Home These Past Three Years

I don't even know where to start, but I guess I'll start by simply saying thank you. Thank you for supporting me in every aspect of my life. When I applied at 15-years-old I had no idea how much this restaurant, how much this family would mean to me. In all honesty, most of what's happened here I didn't expect and I certainly didn't expect to feel this kind of loss over leaving you.

But as I get ready to say goodbye, I do know that each and every person I've worked with along the way has made an everlasting impact on me. I wouldn't be the person I am today without every single one of you, I can't stress that enough. Thank you for letting me learn from you and be a part of your lives. Thank you for letting me be a part of this family, it was an honor and a privilege to spend these last three years with all of you. Thank you for all the undying love and support you have shown me and my family. I mean it when I say that I wouldn't change a minute of it for the world. Pier 500 will always be one of my favorite chapters.

So as this final ride comes to an end and I walk out the back door one final time, I want everyone to know that I gave you everything I had. I want you to know that I am not going to forget you and I am not going to forget where I came from. I cherish the time I spent here and I'm more grateful than I could ever put into words. This restaurant and this team will always be my good thing.